Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Jaclyn DeVincentis. I’m 26 years old and I’m a performer from Melbourne. When I’m not performing I’m either writing material for upcoming shows or teaching drama which I do a couple of nights a week. I also hold a double degree from La Trobe Uni in Arts/Education.
Tell us about the show:
John and Jen is a beautiful show which is quite simply about family. It explores the different dynamics we see in family relationships in particular that of siblings. I think the magic with an intimate show like John and Jen is that it is very real for audiences – it’s not showy or contrived in any way. It’s just a simple story about a brother and sister and a mother and son. It asks a question which I think everyone has asked themselves at one point or another- can we ever truly break free from the identity and expectations placed on us during childhood?
What’s the relationship between John & Jen?
John and Jen have an extremely close relationship which over time becomes somewhat distant and fractured as each begin to forge their own individual identities. As all brothers and sisters would attest to sibling relationships can be rocky at the best of times but I think underneath the bickering and teasing it is love that endures and I think the show definitely conveys that.
What was your first stage performance?.
My first ever stage performance was in grade two as Captain Bumble in St Peter’s Primary School’s end of year concert. He was a drunk pirate who refused to fight until being properly fed – needless to say I related to him on a very personal level. John and Jen will mark my first professional debut role. Shame there isn’t any pirates.
What do you love about this show?
I love the simplicity and honesty that is John and Jen. Often musical theatre can come across as self indulgent however Andrew Lippa and Tom Greenwald have done an amazing job of making the show both relatable and endearing. Aside from that the music is some of the most beautiful material I’ve ever had the pleasure of performing. It always surprises me how little people know of John and Jen so I hope we will be able to win over a new generation of fans during this season.
If you had not become a performer, what might you have done instead?
I would probably be using those university degrees at some point I guess. If not I’ve always dabbled in photography and design so maybe something in that field. Or a professional reality television expert. Is that a job? It should be.
What should the audience expect?
I think audiences can expect to see a very moving piece of rarely performed music theatre. John and Jen really has it all – I’m sure people will laugh and smile and perhaps shed a tear or two. Our director Mark Taylor and Musical Director Tyson Legg have worked tirelessly to bring their vision to life and the result is nothing short of beautiful. I hope Melbourne comes out to see what the clever team at Pursued by Bear have to offer.
Where and when can we see John & Jen?
You can catch John and Jen at Chapel Off Chapel until Sunday September 27.
